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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”